Saturday 2 July 2011

Karthigai Deepam




KARTHIGAI DEEPAM Hindus celebrate Karthigai Deepam on the full moon day of the month of Karthigai (November - December) which falls on the ascension of the Kritigai star. This is the day when a light on the top of Tiruvannamalai is unveiled.

Once, Mother Parvati engaged herself in deep penance, meditating upon Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before Mother Parvati as Jyothi Swarupa during the month of Karthigai, on a full moon day and on Krithigai. She was taken back by the Lord to His side, and made His Ardhangini once more, that is. She occupied half of the body of the Lord.
The light on the hill tells us that the Self or Lord Shiva is self-effulgent. Constant recitation of "Harohara" is heard when devotees see the light which is known as Thiruvannamalai Deepam. This means that he who sees the light that is burning eternally through constant meditation attains immortality. Light here denotes knowledge of the Supreme and is this that leads one to immortality. One should eventually bum one's desires in the fire of knowledge and attain full illumination. People light rows of earthen lamps in front of their houses on the evening of Kartigai Deepam and worship the Lord.

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